Veteran actress Harriet Makubuya, popularly known as Nakawunde, has revealed the reasons behind her decision to leave Uganda’s entertainment industry and relocate to England at the peak of her acting career.
A beloved household name in the 1990s, Nakawunde captured audiences with her memorable role as a village wife in the iconic Ebonies production That’s Life Mwattu. Despite her success and widespread popularity, she made the difficult decision to step away from the spotlight and seek new opportunities abroad.
Speaking during a recent visit to Uganda, Nakawunde acknowledged that many fans were surprised by her sudden departure, noting that she left without formally bidding farewell. However, she explained that her decision was driven by the need for financial stability.
“I know many people felt I left without saying goodbye, but it was never out of disrespect. Acting brought me recognition and love from Ugandans, but it could not provide the financial security I needed. I deeply appreciate my fans, but I do not see myself returning to drama full-time,” she said.
Upon settling in England, Nakawunde explored the possibility of continuing her acting career but quickly realized the challenges involved. She explained that building a career in a new market would have required additional training and significant effort to establish herself once again.
“Acting can sometimes have limitations. Certain roles may no longer be suitable, and I would have needed to retrain and prove myself all over again. That process takes time. Instead, I chose a profession that would allow me to build a sustainable future and also remain useful if I ever decide to retire back home,” she explained.
Today, Nakawunde has successfully transitioned into the healthcare sector in England. Despite her new career path, she remains closely connected to Uganda, visiting several times each year to spend time with family and share health education with communities.
